Does it say in the bible that people need to go to church to get in heaven?

Answer 1

It doesn't but tradition and religious peer pressure imply that you should. Those who don't attend church are looked down by church-goers as nonbelievers. They say that you need to come to the house of God to be close to Him. I'd say however that it doesn't matter whether you're at a baptist church, a protestant church, at home, or 1/2 way around the world because the entire world is God's house.

Answer 2

Dear fallen,

No. In order for one to go to heaven, they must be washed of all their sins. No church can do that work--only God can.

At this present time, God is finished using the local churches and congregations. We are presently in the time period known as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24). The Great Tribulation began in 1988 and precedes the second advent of Jesus Christ when the world shall be destroyed and every person that has not had their sins paid for will be cast into the lake of fire.

The Holy Spirit has departed from ALL the churches, so that no matter how accurate the preaching is, absolutley NO ONE can be saved there (2 Thessalonians 2:6-10). This is why God tells the true believers (those who already are saved) to leave the church (Matthew 24:15, 16; Revelation 18:4). God is now saving outside the churches.

There is considerable Bible evidence to show this but I do not have the space to list it all. There is a book entitled, "The End Of The Church Age And After" that I would recommend you to get. Google the title.

I hope this will help you.

Answer 3

I think that a lot of people misunderstand why God wants us to gather together in a church. First of all, church is not necessary for salvation.

But a church is supposed to be more than just going into a service, sitting and singing and listening.

No, church is about community. It's a support group where we can learn together about growing in Christ, and also it's a place where we develop relationships, and learn how to serve God and live out our Christian lives. A good church is one where the body of believers connects to one another and helps each other through different struggles and encourages one another.

Think about why shows like "Cheers" connect with people. It's where everyone knows you. That's the same with a relationship with God and with other believers. It's all about getting to know you on a personal and relational level. And about you doing the same for others. It's also a way to connect closer to God.

As Christians, we are called to bear one another's burdens. Without being in a community, how can we help one another?

Answer 4

No, receiving Jesus' finished work on the cross is what gets one into heaven.

As far as church attendance goes, Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us continue to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another even more as you see the day coming nearer."

When a Christian separates themselves from the Body of Christ, they not only deny the church the gifts that they could bring to the table, they open themselves up to attack.

Satan and his minions are a lot like pack animals. Wolves, hyenas, and the like. They never hunt fairly. They will stalk the weak, the sick, and the lame. When one of these is separated from the herd or flock, that's when the pack attacks. 5, 8, maybe even 10 predators to one. This is why Peter taught us, "Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8) If you allow Satan to have his way with you, your faith will be unproductive and perhaps even die.

So, you can avoid church if you like, but when you do, you are being disobedient. And that being the case, you might consider questioning if you really are in the faith. "Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, do not you, that Jesus Christ lives in you? Could it be that you are failing the test?" (II Corinthians 13:5)

Besides, it has been said that the church is a lot like Noah's Ark. The stench on the inside would be unbearable, except for the storm outside.

Answer 5

Nowhere in the Bible does it say you have to go to church to get to heaven.
It does say in there somewhere that you have to sacrifice your first born son to convince God that you believe in Him. There are a lot of other crazy things like that in there too so if I were you I wouldnt worry too much about what it says in the Bible.

Answer 6

No,the only way to Heaven is through Jesus! Not a church!

Answer 7

No, there were no actual Christian churches until 150 AD (and it was built by a Roman centurion of all people)

Until that time the believers met privately in houses. It drove non-Christians crazy because they had no idea what the Christians were talking about.

Answer 8

Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Nowhere in the Bible is there any edict to attend any type of religious service. As the above verse shows, you should pray in private. The same goes for worship.

The people are the church, not the building, not the service. The only reason I can see for going to church would be to fellowship with other like-minded people.

There is only two requirements for spending eternity with God: accept Jesus as your saviour and repent for your sins.

Answer 9

Well, not exactly, but let's look at why God tells us to go to church (do not forsake the assembling of the saints)

The devil is out to destroy us, to drag us down, to pull us away from God if it is possible. He is compared to a lion, and how do lions stalk their prey?? They look for those who aren't hanging out with the rest of the herd. They look for the ones that are alone. There is safety in a group, there is support for your journey at church. Getting connected with the body of Christ is a key ingredient in living a successful Christian life. It has no bearing on heaven in and of itself, only in the benefits to you for going. Can you really live the life that Christ wants you to live without any kind of support for the tough times?

Answer 10

Numbers 10:3 And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Attending church is part of a Christian life as instructed by God. Accepting Christ as your personal Savior is the only way to get to heaven.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.